Scammers are taking advantage of the cost-of-living crisis by sending fraudulent text messages claiming to help recipients with their energy bills.
New data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed that there has been a 25 per cent rise in fraud since before the pandemic.
Marijus Briedis, chief technology officer at NordVPN, said: “Covid-19 and the cost-of-living crisis have been honeypots for fraudsters, giving rise to increasingly cynical ploys to separate victims from their money.”
One of these scams is the fake energy-support scheme text, which a number of people have reported receiving in recent days.
Find out below what the scam text looks like and how you can avoid getting caught out.
What is the energy-support scheme scam text?
The scam text claiming to offer help amid the cost-of-living crisis comes from “UK Help”.
The message reads: “GOVUK: You are eligible for a discounted energy bill under the Energy Bill Support Scheme. You can apply here.”
The text includes a link that includes “gov”, as the scammers attempt to convince recipients that the link leads to a government website.
However, this link leads to a scammers website where they may try to steal victims’ personal information and banking details.
Any text messages along these lines is a scam, as the payments for the energy bills support scheme will be paid automatically.
Nobody needs to apply for the £400 discount, so be wary of any text messages or email asking you to apply and enter your details.
What to do if you receive the energy-support scheme scam text?
If you receive the fake energy-bills text, do not click on the link or enter any personal information.
Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or on the Action Fraud website.
Alternatively, you can forward the text to 7726 or send a screenshot of the message to report@phising.gov.uk.
